Fluid shut-off.



PATENTE'D JUNE 28, 1904.

W. 8: J. BOEKEL.

FLUID SHUT-OFF.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20. 1904.

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PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904-. W. 6: J. BOBKEL.

i FLUID SHUT-OFF.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20. 1904.

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PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM Bo KEL AND JULIUS BOEKEL, OFPHILADELPHIA,

PENNSYLVANIA.

FLUID SIHUT-OFF.

SPECIFICATION forming part-of Letters Patent No. 763,714, dated June 28, 1904.

Application filed April 20, 1904'.

. To all whont it may concern.-

, Be it known that we, WILLIAM BoEKEL and JULIUS BOEKEL, citizens of the United States,

the following to be a full, clear, and'exact description of the invention, such 'aswill enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The object of this invention isto provide satisfactory means for automatically shutting off water or other fluid from a motor-operated thereby whenever the pressure in a tank or a predetermined maximum, also for automatically admitting the water to the motor when ever the pressure in said tank falls to a predetermined minimum. Said maximum and said minimum are adjustable according to needs and circumstances.

To the above end our invention consists in the construction and combination of parts hereinafter-more particularly set forth and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a vertical central section of an automatic pressure-regulated fluid shut-off embodying our invention, the same being shown in open position. Fig. 2 represents the same closed. Fig. 3 represents a transverse section on the line 3 3' of' Fig. 1. Fig. 4 represents a detail plan view of the valve-stem .9, block R,

and part'o'f the arm R hereinafter described.

A designates the water-inlet, and B the water-outlet, both internally screw-threaded at a and Z) for suitable attachment, separated by integral partitions a b, on which a circular upward presented valve seat E is formed, and east with a T-coupling, the third limb C of which is internally screw-threaded at c for engaging the downward extension f of the body F of the regulator. Below this attachment thesaid body is provided with an annular shoulder C, on which rests a bracing-ring D immediately below a flexible diaphragm D, the peripheral part of which is clamped between the lower end of the said extension f Serial 110 204,109. on model.)

and another internal shoulder c of the limb C. A packing-ring (Z is interposed between theshoulder c and the proximate face of the diaphragm. E designates the water-cheek valve, which fits the seat E and is connected to the central part of the said diaphragm by its screw-threaded stem a passing up through the same, a nut e fitting said stem abovethe diaphragm and a shoulder 6 below the latter. The diaphragm-chamber E is formed partly in said limbC and partly in said extension f of body F. At its upper'end is an annular partition f, leaving a central port f, surrounded "at its upper end by a raised annular valve-seat G, fitting a downwardly-operating air-check valve G in a valve-chamber g,formed in the central part of body F. This valve is governed by a diaphragin H, the peripheral part of which is held between the upper end of said body and a shoulder t on an overlapping shell I, these elements F and I being screwthreaded at f and d for such engagement. These parts are also annularly recessed at f and '5 below and above the diaphragm near its peripheral portion to allow its free play. The said diaphragm is provided with a reinforcing-plate J on its upper side, and is connected at its center to a rod K,extending up through a screw-cap or adjusting-screw L, the tubular body L of which is screw-threaded externally at Z to engage corresponding internal screwthreads of the tubular upward part I of said shell I. These tubular parts I L form internally a spring-chamber M, which is an upward extension of diaphragm-chamber H, the latter being of greater diameter and formed partly in the body F, partly in the shell I. A helical spring M, inclosed in said spring chamber, bears at its upper end against the said screw-cap and at its lower end against a shoulder or fixed collar K of the rod K near the lower end of the latter. I

N designatesthe air-inlet, supplied from a tank or other receptacle under pressure and entering the diaphragm-chamber H below the diaphragm. Whenever the air-pressure exceeds the weight of the valve and attachments moving therewith and the pressure of the spring M, the air-check valve G will be lifted from its seat, opening the port f, as shown in Fig. 2. The air will then flow from the inlet N through the diaphragm-chamber H and port f, as indicated by arrows in Fig. 2, and will depress the lower diaphragm D, forcing down the water-check valve E on its seat E and shutting off the flow of water from the motor,which remains without this supply, and consequently inactive until the air-pressure on lower diaphragm H is withdrawn, as hereinafter described. The precise degree of pressure at which the air-check valve G will open to cause the closing of the water-check valve E and the shutting off of the water, as above described, is determined by turning in or out the screw-cap L, so as to increase or lessen the tension of spring M to the extent desired.

It is very desirable to make the closing of the lower valve E practically instantaneous and absolutely effective. To this end we have provided for an accumulation of air under the upper diaphragm H before any air passes through port f to the lower diaphragm. For this purpose we do not connect the air-check valve Gr directly to diaphragm H or rod K, but allow independent play to the said valve G by fitting its headed stem Grin an elongated recess 0 of a stop-block or nut O, which is screwed on the reduced tip of the lower end of said rod, a light helical spring P surround ing reduced proximate parts of the said nut and valve. The diameter of the said recess cor responds to that of the head of the said stem for guiding the same; but its mouth is made small enough to prevent the said head from being drawn through, thereby separating the said nut and valve. The said spring P holds this valve seated, while the diaphragm H and the nut or stop-block ascend under the upward presure of the air, exceeding the limit prescribed, until the material of the said block at the lower end of the said recess comes in contact with the said head and lifts the valve G, there being then a considerable volume of compressed air under the diaphragm H ready to rush quickly through the port f and press on the lower diphragm. The amount of independent play thus allowed to the said valve corresponds to the similar movement of the lower valve in seating and opening. The stem G is made detachable from the valve Gin ord er that it may be removed through the nut or stopblock 0 as desired, the recess 0 being extended to the upper end of the latter, where its wall is screw-threaded to receive the tip of the rod phragm H and also the reinforcing-plate J are not claimed in this application, forming part of the subject-matter of another one, Serial No. 203,288, filed by us April 15, 1904:.

The devices and constructions providing for the renewed flow of water when the air-pressure is reduced below a certain point and also providing for the adjustment and predetermination of that point at will are as follows: From the lower diaphragm-chamber E at a point above the diaphragm E an outlet-passage P extends longitudinally nearly through a horizontal arm P, which is screw-tapped at the end to receive a screw-plug p for the removal of sediment and also on top, with a larger bore, to receive the lower screw-threaded end of an upright tubeQ, the upper end of the latter being also screw-threaded at q for the attachment of a recessed casting or casing R. In the latter is formed a valvechamber 0 which is closed at the upper end by a block R, screwed into the same by corresponding threads 7 of both parts. A central aperture 1 0f this block permits the passage of air up around a valve-stem s, preferably triangular or of other prismatic form, while guiding said stern in its upward and downward play. An escape-valve S is screwed on the lower end of the said stem, facing an annular seat T on the under side of block R, and is supported by a helical spring U, resting on the bottom of valve-chamber r above hole It, through which air enters valve-chamber r from the said upright pipe. The upper part R of the said stem R is enlarged and screw-threaded, engaging a lever V, which is screw-tapped at its middle to receive the same, this lever being pivoted at one end to a pair of lugs r on a rigid integral radial arm R of casting R, while the other end of the said lever extends under a collar or block W, which is made vertically adjustable with the rod K, preferably by screw-threads w on both of them, as shown, after the manner of a nut and bolt, although a sliding block and setscrew may be substituted or the adjustment may be provided for in any other convenient way. This collar or block W being adjusted to the elevation corresponding to the degree of pressure chosen, the operation is as follows: The gradual exhaustion of air in the tank as it is used or escapes without supply, after automatically shutting off water-power, as before described, reduces the air-pressure bearing on the under side of diaphragm H until it is no longer able to sustain the pressure of the spring M and the weight of rod K and attached parts. The downward movement of said rod then follows, closing the air-check valve G and in the same movement depressing the lever V by the action of the collar W on the free end thereof, thus opening the escape-valve S and at once relieving the lower diaphragm D from air-pressure. In consequence thwater-check valve E is free to yield to the pressure of the water below it and will be opened thereby so ticular use is the one to which we have most frequently applied the subject-matter of this application; but we do not wish tobe confined thereto, as it is capable of many other uses, and the devices above named, but not illustrated, are suggestcdby way of instance only, having no necessary connection to the invention.

Of course any other fluid may be substituted for air or water, or both.

The valves are preferably faced with rubher and may be madewith disk-form faces of this material held in place by turned-down metal edges, as described andshown in our application, Serial No. 191,611, filed February 1, 1904:, and we find such valves the best for our purpose, making a quick and absolute closure and opening promptly and perfectly; but we 'do not'confine ourselves to them nor to the general form of check-valves shown. The escape-valve S is adjustable delicately with respect to its play and the tension of supporting-spring U by the screw-threaded engagement of the stem R with the lever V,

before described, the head of said stem being milled peripherally for'convenience in turning. A stop-nut Z on the said stem is screwed down on the top of the said leverafter such adjustment to hold it in place. This nut, the collar W, and the screw-cap L are all preferably provided with milled peripheries, as shown.

It will be observed that in the operation of this water shut-ofi we use the counterbalance between adjustable spring-pressure and fluidpressure, which is a conspicuous feature of our application first hereinbefore mentioned; but of course we do not wish to be understood as claiming again what is claimed therein. The present invention utilizes the preponderance of the latter pressure over the former at a degree determined by preadjustment to shut off an independent fluid-supply and also utilizes the preponderance of the spring-pressure over the fluid-pressure also at a degree determined by preadjustment to let on the latter supply, the shutting off and letting on being effected by a valve arranged to be acted on by opposing fluid pressures, one of which is constant; but the other is applied and withdrawn at intervals by the means above stated.

The result is a perfectly continuous series of regular automatic alternations, storing the tank to the degree of fluid-compression chosen and then allowing it to discharge by degrees until the degree of fluid expansion has been reached which has been chosen as best for storing it again, whereupon the storing operation is repeated.

This automatic shut-off needs no attention, but will continue running for a long time satisfactorily.

Instead of the diaphragm hereinbefore mentioned piston-valves or equivalent devices obviously may be used; but adiaphragm is preferable by reason of its greater delicacy and certainty of action, the diminution of friction, greater convenience of manufacture, and other advantages. 5

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,'is

1. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a valve controlling the flow, with means for automatically closing the said valve by a diaphragm connected to said valve, fluid-pressure on said diaphragm and adjustable means determining the degree at which such pressure will move the said diaphragm.

2. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a valve and diaphragm, moving together, with means for automatically and intermittently applying fluid-pressure to one side of thediaphragm to close the said valve, and means determining the degree at which the said pressure will move the said diaphragm, the said valve being continuously under the opening pressure of the fluid which it governs.-

3. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a valve and diaphragm moving together, with means for automatically and intermittently applying fluid-pressure to the said diaphragm to close the said valve, and adjustable mechanism regulating the degree at which such pressure becomesoperative to that end.

' 4. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of two diaphragms and two valves, respectively operated thereby, with means for directing fluid,

normally under pressure, continuously against one of the said diaphragms, tending to open the same, the diaphragm-chambers, communicating with each other in order that this fluid-pressure mayact on the other diaphragm to close its valve when the valve moving with the first-named diaphragm is open, and devices resisting the action of such fluid-pressure on the first-named diaphragm for the purpose set forth.

5. In a fluid shut-ofi, the combination of a check-valve for controlling a fluid-suppl y, with a diaphragm moving with said valve and exposed intermittently to the opposing pressure of another supply of fluid for closing the said valve, another diaphragm exposed to the pressure of the latter fluid on one side and to counterbalancing pressure on the other, means for adjusting this counterbalancing pressure and a valve operated by the latter diaphragm whenever this' counter-balancing pressure is overcome to open a passage for the latter fluid to the diaphragm first named for closing the first named valve.

6. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm, with means for applying fluid under pressure to one side of it, mechanical devices pressing against the other side of the said diaphragm and adjustable to vary their pressure, a check-valve moving with said diaphragm,- a second diaphragm accessible to such fluid-pressure when the said valve is opened by such pressure overcoming the counterbalancing mechanical pressure, and a check-valve, moving with the latter diaphragm to shut off another current of fluid, said valve being exposed continuously to the opposing pressure of the same substantially as set forth.

7 In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a cheek-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying airpressure or other fluid-pressure to said diaphragm, for closing said valve, an escapevalve independent of said check-valve for relieving the said pressure and means for automatically opening the said escape-valve whenever this pressure falls below a certain degree, for the purpose set forth.

8. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying fluidpressure to said diaphragm for closing the said valve, an escape-valve for relieving the said pressure, and mechanical means for automatically opening the said escape-valve whenever the pressure falls below a certain degree, such means applying counterbalancing pressure, which is normally supported by said fluidpressure substantially as set forth.

9. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying fluidpressure to said diaphragm to close said valve, and means for withdrawing this pressure when it falls below a certain degree, for the purpose 4 set forth.

10. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying fluidpressure to close the said valve, and adjustable means for withdrawing this pressure when it falls below any predetermined degree, for the purpose set forth.

11. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying fluidpressure to said diaphragm for closing the said valve, an escape-valve for relieving the said pressure when it falls below a certain degree, mechanism applying pressure which counterbalances the fluid-pressure above mentioned and means for adjusting the pressure of the said mechanism, for the purpose set forth.

12. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with means for applying fluidpressure to said diaphragm for closing the said valve, a second diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluid-pressure to the flrstnamed diaphragm for closing its valve, a spring bearing on the said diaphragm to counterbalance the said fluid-pressure, an adjustable piece regulating the tension of the said spring and consequently the degree of fluid-pressure at which this latter pressure will give way, and an escape-valve arranged and adapted to be opened when the fluid-pressure falls to this degree, for the purpose of entirely relieving such pressure for the purpose set forth.

13. In a fluid shut-off, the'combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with another diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluidpressure to the first-named diaphragm, for closing its valve, an escape-valve, for relieving this fluid-pressure, a lever for opening this escape-valve, and a part moving with the second diaphragm and valve and arranged to operate this lever whenever the fluid-pressure on the second diaphragm falls below a certain degree substantially at set forth.

14. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with another diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluidpressure to the first diaphragm for closing its valve, an escape-valve for relieving this fluidpressure, and a part moving with the second diaphragm and valve and arranged to open the said escape-valve, when the fluid-pressure sustaining said part is lowered beyond a certain degree, substantially as set forth.

15. In a fluid shut-ofl', the combination of a diaphragm and a check-valve, controlling a supply of fluid, with another diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluidpressure to the first diaphragm, for closing its valve, an escape-valve for relieving this fluidpressure, a part moving with the second diaphragm and valve and arranged to open the said escape-valve when the fluid-pressure gives way and the diaphragm descends, the said part being adjustable substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

16. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and valve, controlling a fluid-supply, with a second diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluid-pressure to the first-named diaphragm, for closing its valve, the valve of the second diaphragm being adapted to have an amount of independent play corresponding to the movement of the second valve and being provided with a spring which holds it on its seat until its diaphragm has risen to the extent of such play, permitting the accumulation of compressed air between said diaphragm and said valve, for a sudden rush to the other diaphragm substantially as set forth.

17. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a IIO diaphragm and valve, controlling a fluid-supply, with a second diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluid-pressure to the first-named diaphragm, for closing its valve, the second valve above named having a sliding connection, permittingit to remain briefly on its seat after the diaphragm begins to ascend, after which these two parts move upward together substantially as set forth.

18. In a fluid shut-off, the combination of a diaphragm and valve, controlling a fluid-supply, with a second diaphragm and valve, controlling the application of fluid-pressure to the first-named diaphragm, for closing its valve, a rod moving with the second valve and diaphragm and attached thereto, a recessed nut or block on the said rod, a headed stem for the saidsecond valve, moving in the recess of said block, but prevented from slipping out of the same, and a spring interposed between this second valve and block substan-= tially as set forth.

19. In a fluid shut-off,a valve and diaphragm governing a fluid-supply, which applies continual pressure to said valve, in combination with means for automatically admitting counterbalancing fluid-pressure to said diaphragm and means for automatically relieving said pressure when it falls below a certain degree, for the purpose set forth.

20. In a fluid sh ut-ofl, a valve and diaphragm governing a fluid-supply, in combination with means for'applying fluid-pressure to said diaphragm to close the said valve, adjustable means for determining the degree of pressure at which it thus becomes operative, means for relieving this pressure, and adjustable means for determining at what degree of pressure thislrelief shall take place substantially as set fort 1.

21. In a fluid shut-off, a pair of diaphragmchambers and a connecting-passage, in combination with the diaphragms contained in said chambers, a valve operated by one of said diaphragms to shut off "or admit a fluid-supply, an outlet from the chamber of this diaphragm, on the same side of it as said passage and provided with an escape-valve, another valve opening and closing this passage, and moving with the other diaphragm for opening its valve, and thereafter for acting on the first diaphragm to close its valve, and devices for applying an adjustable counterbalancing pressure to the second diaphragm, resisting the fluid-pressure substantially as set forth.

22. In a fluid shut-off, a pair of diaphragmchambers and the diaphragms vibrating within them, in combination with valves moving with said diaphragms respectively, one of said valves controlling a supply of wateror other fluid, and the other valve controlling the plassage of air or other fluid under pressure from one diaphragm-chamber to the other, to operate the said water-valve, an outlet provided with an escape-valve from the diaphragm-chamber of the water-valve, means for admitting the compressed air to the other diaphragm-chamber, a device moving with the diaphragm of the latter chamber, and arranged to operate the said escape-valve, and means for applying adjustable counterbalancing pressure to the latter diaphragm, to determine the degree at which the air-pressure will open the passage to the first diaphragm and act thereon, the degree at which the escape-valve will be opened to make an end of such pressure being also adjustable substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to thisspeciflcation in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM BOEKEL] JULIUS BOEKEL.

Witnesses:

JOHN H. SOHERER, GUSTAV A. MAIER. 

